Caffeine Kicks

Things have been HECTIC recently, but I’m back now and that’s all that matters. So I’m kicking off with a brand new post all about coffee, because quite frankly I love it and I couldn’t imagine life without it, yes seriously.

Anyone that knows me, knows I’m a coffee snob, (there’s just no way of saying it nicely) SO that means I’ve become very good at whittling down my list. It’s nice sometimes to be able to go somewhere where you can go just for coffee and don’t feel the pressure by customers or anyone in general to eat something. I definitely have a solid set for Newcastle, Leeds and York; (Manchester and London I’m working on) so my first instalment is going to be about my home city of YORK!

York has really improved is coffee game over the past few years, once littered with chains, the independent coffee shops are growing by the day and some of the long standing ones are finally getting the recognition they deserve, from more than just the locals.

So let me give you a run down of my favourites aaaaannd because I’m such a great person I’ve organised this in a somewhat ‘coffee trail’ style list, thank me later:

1 – Stanley and Ramona

So to begin our journey we’re starting on Bishopthorpe Road. You know by now I love this place and if not, you can see my early post on Stanley and Ramona here. In short, the coffee is fantastic using a single origin blend and they offer a variety of different styles. Whether you sit inside or out it’s a great place to go on your own or with friends or family.

2 – Dyls

Walking down from Bishopthorpe road and over Skeldergate bridge is where you’ll find Dyls, after been closed for so long due to the nightmare floods in York we often experience, it is now finally back up and running. I have only been here once so far, but it definitely left a lasting impression on me. Apart from the beautiful decorated 3 floor turret style building (forgive me I don’t know the technical word and I really should all considering), and they’re great selection of Gins – which I will be returning for; their Mochas were absolutely delightful. Dyls do it right and chuck away all the powdered chocolate rubbish and bring in the top quality pure thick melted belgian chocolate of which you can choose from milk or dark. This 100% makes the difference and they have definitely placed Mocha’s well and truly back on the coffee options. Oh and the coffee that underpins the mocha also tasted great too, so all in all it’s a good choice to make.

3 – Gatehouse Coffee

Gatehouse coffee is so great for all the aesthetic reasons, located on the walmgate bar, they have cold brew on tap – what a dream! I love to go to Gatehouse when friends are visiting purely because its something you don’t expect. If you head here I’d recommend wrapping up warm (weather dependant) and heading outside on to one of the two floors they have. The only downside is that the students of York tend to take up the inside seating during the week, which I can’t complain about as being a student myself I was definitely guilty of doing this in Newcastle. All that been said, Gatehouse is beautifully historic and ‘so York’!

4 – Fossgate Social

This cosy little place on Fossgate is a great chill out space for a coffee stop during your day or evening in York. It does a bit of everything and that’s why I rate it, did anyone say Espresso Martini’s? Amen. Its terrace garden at the back is really cute too, perfect for those slightly warmer days because trust me, this place gets packed on every single floor!

5 – The Dark Horse Espresso Bar

A new addition to the York coffee scene is The Dark Horse Espresso Bar which is located in the Shambles Market. Serving Allpress Coffee and some great sweet treats too, it’s bang on central for all your coffee needs, again you can choose to take a seat on the benches provided or grab and go which is what I tend to do, and a takeout coffee has never tasted SO good.

6 – The Perky Peacock

I love Perky Peacock again due to it’s beautiful location on Lendal Bridge, another place visitors revel in because you don’t really get a great coffee in such a historic hidden gem. This one is now their main coffee shop and you can see why, they always have a plethora of options and have the knowledge backed up to support it also!

7 – Rae & Webb

My final destination is on Gillygate and it is the one and only Rae & Webb, some argue it’s a bit of a walk from the ‘centre’ but I’d say different, it’s about 5 minutes, so get moving and head there! The owners are wonderful and you are always greeted with a smile, it’s a great chilled out vibe where you can literally watch the world go by; with great coffee too – obviously.

So there we have it and here ends this post, let me know if you check any of these out next time you’re around and about in York.

Alice x

*disclaimer* maybe don’t visit all in one day caffeine is dangerous if you have too much.